1. Chinese Houses – Collinsia heterophylla
(kol-IN-see-a het-er-AH-fill-a)
Family: Scrophulariaceae (Figwort Family)
Native to: California to N. Baja California; common in shady places such as north-facing slopes and
under oaks.
annual wildflower
mature height: 1-3 ft.
mature width: to 12 in.
Upright herbaceous annual with hairy stems and oblong leaves arranged in tiers along the stem.
Growth characteristics:
Blooms Mar-June. Flowers are snapdragon-like, usually lavender (but may be pink)
and white. Flowers arranged in clusters around stem. Very showy. Brightens dark areas of garden.
Blooms/fruits:
Uses in the garden: Good for shady areas, under trees, in mixed borders, wildflower gardens and
prairies. Does fine in containers – pretty addition to shady porch or balcony. Good cover for bulbs
and as an annual ground cover. Lovely flowers. This was a favorite children’s flower in Victorian
cottage gardens.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native lupines, snapdragons.
Attracts: Nectar source for bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. Seed-eating birds eat the seeds.
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Part-sun to full shade; may be able to get away with full sun on coast, with watering
Any well-drained soil (sandy is fine); neutral pH
Regular water – but don’t overwater; let dry in summer for seed development
None needed; can amend soil with organics (humus)
Management:
Easy to grow. Reseeds readily on bare ground.
Propagation: from seed: easy. Sow in prepared beds fall through early spring.
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 5, 8, 10, 13, 14, 16, 19
11/26/10
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